Former England captain and Chelsea legend John Terry has sent a special message of encouragement to Ghanaian actor and football administrator Samuel “Yaw Dabo” Dabo and the young players at his soccer academy.
John Terry sends a special message of encouragement to Yaw Dabo and the young players at Dabo Soccer Academy.
In a warm video message, Terry wished the Dabo Soccer Academy success, encouraged the youngsters to work hard and enjoy their football journey, and expressed hope of visiting them one day. The message follows the pair’s viral 2026 FIFA World Cup encounter, where Dabo’s playful “John Telly” moment captured widespread attention online.
“Hi Samuel, my friend, it’s John Telly here. I’m only joking, it’s John Terry here,” Terry joked before delivering his message of support.
The former Chelsea captain then wished Samuel Dabo and his soccer academy the very best, urging the young footballers to make full use of the opportunity before them.
“Make sure that you get there and work hard and, more importantly, enjoy it because what a fantastic opportunity,” Terry said, before adding that he hoped to visit Dabo and the academy players in the future.
The message is a major morale boost for Yaw Dabo’s football project, which is focused on nurturing young Ghanaian talent and creating opportunities for aspiring players to pursue professional careers.
Terry’s intervention has also added a remarkable new chapter to the viral friendship that began during the 2026 World Cup, transforming a humorous social-media moment into a potentially meaningful connection for young Ghanaian footballers.
Ghanaian businessman and socialite Frederick Kumi, popularly known as Abu Trica, has been extradited to the United States to face criminal charges linked to an alleged $8 million romance scam.
Abu Trica extradited to the United States amid an alleged $8 million romance scam case.
The extradition took place on Thursday, July 9, 2026, following a prolonged legal battle in Ghana over efforts to stop his transfer to US authorities. Multiple Ghanaian media reports confirmed the development, with Citi News reporting that he had been sent to the United States to face charges connected to the alleged scheme.
Abu Trica is accused by US prosecutors of involvement in an alleged international romance fraud operation that reportedly targeted victims, including elderly Americans. The allegations include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. He has not been convicted of those charges, and the allegations remain subject to legal proceedings in the United States.
The extradition follows weeks of intense court proceedings. Earlier, Abu Trica’s lawyers sought to challenge and halt the extradition process, while his counsel, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, also raised concerns over access to his client and his whereabouts.
According to reports, those legal efforts ultimately failed to prevent his transfer. His extradition marks a major turning point in a case that has attracted widespread public attention in Ghana and beyond.
The next phase of the case is expected to unfold in the United States, where Abu Trica will face the relevant judicial process and have the opportunity to respond to the charges against him.
European lawmakers are intensifying pressure for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid a major controversy surrounding the decision that allowed United States striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite an earlier red card.
EU lawmakers intensify calls for scrutiny of FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid the Balogun red-card controversy.
The move follows questions over whether political pressure influenced FIFA after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly contacted Infantino before the disciplinary outcome. Lawmakers are seeking scrutiny of Infantino’s role and whether FIFA’s political-neutrality and governance standards were compromised. FIFA maintains that its judicial bodies are independent.
The controversy erupted after Balogun’s suspension was lifted, allowing him to feature in the World Cup knockout match against Belgium. Critics argue that the episode raises serious concerns about fairness, consistency and outside influence in football governance.
According to reports, European lawmakers have been gathering support for a probe and are urging national football associations in EU countries to press FIFA’s Ethics Committee to investigate Infantino. The campaign has drawn backing from dozens of Members of the European Parliament, but it is more accurate to describe this as an initiative by EU lawmakers rather than a completed institutional investigation formally launched by the entire European Parliament.
The controversy has deepened tensions around FIFA, with UEFA also sharply criticising the disciplinary decision. Critics say changing or suspending the consequences of a red card in such circumstances risks damaging confidence in the integrity of the competition.
Infantino has denied wrongdoing and stressed the independence of FIFA’s disciplinary structures. However, the growing political pressure means the issue could become one of the most serious governance challenges facing his presidency.
An extraordinary story of survival has emerged from earthquake-devastated Venezuela, where an 18-day-old baby and his mother reportedly survived around 32 hours trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira.
18-day-old Juan David, whose reported survival after 32 hours beneath earthquake rubble has become a symbol of hope.
Baby Juan David and his mother, identified in reports as Dayana Patiño, were trapped after powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24. The quakes caused widespread destruction, with La Guaira among the hardest-hit areas. Reuters reported magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 for the two major tremors.
An extraordinary story of survival has emerged from earthquake-devastated Venezuela, where an 18-day-old baby and his mother survived around 32 hours trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira.
Baby Juan David and his mother, identified in reports as Dayana Patiño, were trapped after powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24. The disaster devastated communities and triggered an enormous rescue operation as teams searched collapsed buildings for survivors.
According to published accounts, Patiño was trapped with her newborn son for approximately 32 hours after their building collapsed. Despite suffering injuries and being pinned beneath debris, she reportedly remained alert, repeatedly checking that her baby was still breathing and conserving her strength to call for help when rescuers came near.
The survival of such a young baby amid the devastation has captured widespread attention, with many describing the rescue as miraculous. The child reportedly escaped with relatively minor injuries while his mother required treatment for injuries sustained during the collapse.
A rare moment of hope after devastating earthquakes
The rescue came as emergency crews, volunteers and international teams continued searching shattered buildings across affected communities. Reuters documented extensive rescue efforts in La Guaira and other devastated areas as authorities confronted rising casualties and large-scale destruction.
For many Christians, the survival story has become a powerful reminder of hope in moments of overwhelming tragedy. As families mourn loved ones and survivors begin rebuilding their lives, the story of a mother and her newborn emerging alive after more than a day beneath rubble stands as one of the disaster’s most moving moments.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
Ghanaian teenage winger Emmanuel Abrokwa is set for a historic move to Spanish giants Sevilla after an agreement was reached for the 18-year-old to join the La Liga club directly from Ghana.
The highly rated youngster is expected to move from Adabraka Elders, with transfer reports indicating that a fee has been agreed and a contract running until June 2029 is in place. If completed as reported, Abrokwa will become the first player to move directly from Ghana to Sevilla.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that the Ghanaian youngster is set to make history with the move, while Ghanaian football reports have also confirmed that Sevilla are preparing to sign the promising winger.
Abrokwa’s rise represents another major moment for Ghanaian football, particularly for young talents developing outside the country’s biggest professional clubs. A direct pathway from Adabraka Elders to one of Spain’s most recognised football institutions could strengthen international attention on grassroots talent in Ghana.
The move is also expected to offer the teenager a major platform for his development in European football. Sevilla have built a strong international reputation and have competed regularly at the highest levels of Spanish and European football.
For supporters following Ghana News, Abrokwa’s reported breakthrough adds to growing excitement over the next generation of Ghanaian footballers seeking opportunities abroad.
More updates on the deal and other major developments will be available through Ghana News Live and our Top Stories coverage as further details emerge.
The reported agreement marks a potentially defining chapter in Emmanuel Abrokwa’s young career and a proud moment for Ghanaian football, with attention now turning to the final completion of his Sevilla move.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, has expressed his desire to have Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale address students of the university and share lessons from his remarkable journey in music and business.
Shatta Wale pictured alongside UPSA Vice Chancellor Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor following calls for the musician to address students.
According to Prof. Mawutor, the award-winning musician has valuable practical knowledge that could inspire young people, particularly in the areas of entrepreneurship, digital innovation and building a successful music career through the internet.
“I want Shatta Wale to come and address UPSA students. I’d love for him to share his business knowledge and how he learned to make music using the internet,” Prof. Mawutor stated.
The invitation places fresh attention on Shatta Wale’s evolution from a Ghanaian entertainer into one of the country’s most recognisable music brands. Beyond hit songs and major performances, the dancehall musician has built a powerful digital following and consistently used online platforms to promote his music, communicate directly with fans and strengthen his commercial identity.
For students studying business, marketing, entrepreneurship and related disciplines, such an engagement could offer a practical perspective on how creativity can be transformed into a sustainable brand in the digital age.
Recent reports indicate that Shatta Wale has accepted the invitation and is expected to speak to UPSA students on music marketing, branding and the role of digital platforms in building a career. The development has already generated interest among fans and observers who believe unconventional success stories can provide valuable lessons alongside traditional academic teaching.
The proposed engagement also reflects a growing recognition of Ghana’s creative economy as a serious area of enterprise, innovation and employment. Shatta Wale’s journey could provide students with firsthand insights into audience building, personal branding, online promotion and resilience in the competitive entertainment industry.
Readers can follow more developments through Ghana News, track breaking updates on Ghana News Live, explore major national stories under Top Stories, and read key governance developments via the Policy & Law Hub.
A fierce debate has erupted over the treatment of African teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with supporters pointing to a series of controversial refereeing decisions and questioning whether inconsistent use of VAR is denying African nations a genuinely fair contest on football’s biggest stage.
Controversial refereeing and VAR decisions involving African teams have triggered a fierce World Cup debate.
The argument goes far beyond the familiar Lionel Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry. Critics say African football fans risk being distracted by endless debates over individual superstars while far more serious questions are being raised about officiating, selective interventions and consistency in matches involving African teams.
Among the matches repeatedly cited in the growing debate are Ghana against Panama, Ghana against England, Belgium against Senegal, Algeria against Argentina and Egypt against Argentina. Supporters have highlighted disputed fouls, penalty appeals, 50-50 challenges, disciplinary decisions and moments where they believe VAR intervention was either absent or inconsistently applied.
Egypt vs Argentina pushes VAR controversy to boiling point
The controversy intensified dramatically after Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16. Egypt’s defeat triggered major arguments over refereeing and VAR, with disputed incidents becoming a central part of the post-match conversation rather than the result alone.
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey was reported as criticising the VAR handling as inconsistent, particularly around a disallowed Egypt goal and a separate incident involving Mohamed Salah. Egypt’s Mostafa Zico also publicly expressed anger over the officiating, while coach Hossam Hassan complained about what he viewed as injustice.
The central question raised by critics is simple: if modern football has invested heavily in video technology precisely to correct clear mistakes, why do major controversies continue to dominate matches at the highest level?
Ghana, Senegal and Algeria added to wider African concerns
The frustration is not being framed as an Egypt-only issue. Fans have drawn attention to controversial moments involving Ghana, Senegal and Algeria, arguing that a broader pattern deserves scrutiny rather than each disputed call being dismissed in isolation.
Some supporters claim 50-50 duels were too often whistled against African players when they emerged with the ball, while heavy challenges on African players did not always attract equivalent punishment. Others argue that attacking momentum was repeatedly disrupted by marginal calls and that VAR appeared more visible when reviewing incidents potentially damaging to African teams than when those same teams sought intervention in their favour.
These remain allegations and interpretations rather than established proof of a coordinated anti-African system. However, the volume of controversy has fuelled legitimate demands for greater transparency, consistency and accountability from match officials.
“Where is the consistency?”
One particularly explosive claim circulating among supporters concerns the referee linked by critics to disputed penalty appeals involving Ghana against England and a controversial penalty decision in Belgium’s match against Senegal. For those making the argument, the issue is not whether every decision must favour an African side; it is whether comparable incidents are being judged according to the same standard.
That question matters because one refereeing decision can transform an entire tournament. A coach may prepare perfectly, players may execute the tactical plan and a team may compete brilliantly, yet one incorrect penalty, missed foul, questionable red card or selective VAR intervention can undo months or years of work.
African teams have shown they can compete
The wider debate also challenges the lazy assumption that African football’s difficulties at World Cups are always about coaching, discipline or talent. African teams have repeatedly demonstrated athletic quality, tactical growth and the ability to compete against established football powers.
Critics therefore insist that demands for fair officiating should not be reduced to excuses after defeat. A team can make mistakes and still deserve consistent refereeing. Egypt may have surrendered a lead against Argentina, but that does not automatically erase questions over disputed incidents or whether VAR protocols were applied consistently.
The comparison with AFCON 2023 has also entered the conversation, with some fans arguing that officiating at the African tournament appeared more coherent than what they believe they are witnessing at the current World Cup.
This debate is bigger than Messi and Ronaldo
Lionel Messi does not need African supporters to validate his place among football’s greatest players. His performances, trophies, records and individual honours already speak loudly. Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy is equally established through an extraordinary career at club and international level.
The urgent issue, critics argue, is not choosing one superstar over another. It is whether African teams are receiving the same protection, the same threshold for fouls, the same seriousness of VAR review and the same consistency expected for every nation competing under FIFA’s rules.
Until football authorities provide clearer explanations for controversial decisions and demonstrate consistent application of VAR across matches, suspicions will continue to grow. For African football, the demand is not special treatment. It is a fair game.
The Ghanaian community in the United States has been plunged into grief following the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Sakyi Jr., a young man from Bristow, Virginia, whose life was cut short in a devastating incident in the Manassas area.
18-year-old Michael Sakyi Jr., whose fatal shooting in Virginia has left family, friends and the Ghanaian community mourning.
According to reports citing the Prince William County Police Department, officers responded at about 8:47 p.m. on June 25, 2026, to a reported vehicle crash in the 7900 block of Community Drive. When officers arrived, they found a vehicle that had struck an unoccupied parked car.
Inside the driver’s seat, officers discovered Michael Sakyi Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body. Despite emergency response efforts, the 18-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, turning what initially appeared to be a crash response into a homicide investigation.
Police later arrested 21-year-old Jamal Dana Allen at his Manassas residence on July 2, 2026, in connection with the killing. Authorities said he faces charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He was reportedly being held without bond pending a court date.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Authorities have indicated that the incident did not appear to be random, while a motive has not been publicly disclosed.
The tragedy has generated deep sorrow among relatives, friends and members of the Ghanaian community in the United States. Reports surrounding the family’s fundraising effort describe Michael as an aspiring electrician whose sudden death has left loved ones devastated and facing unexpected funeral expenses.
For many Ghanaians at home and abroad, the death of such a young person is a painful reminder of how suddenly a promising future can be destroyed. Michael was only 18, an age when dreams are still taking shape and families are looking forward to graduations, careers and new beginnings.
As the investigation continues and the accused moves through the American justice system, Michael Sakyi Jr.’s loved ones are left to mourn a life ended far too soon. The case has also drawn renewed attention among diaspora communities concerned about gun violence and the safety of young people.
Ghanaian musician Mzbel has been left devastated following the death of her sister, publicly alleging that a lack of an available hospital bed contributed to the tragedy.
Mzbel breaks down in tears while mourning her sister and raising allegations over the lack of an available hospital bed.
In an emotional video circulating widely on social media, the singer broke down in tears while recounting the circumstances surrounding her sister’s death and questioning why the long-standing problem of unavailable beds continues to affect families seeking urgent medical care.
According to Mzbel’s account, her sister needed urgent treatment but the family was allegedly told that no bed was available at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. She claimed the delay in accessing care ultimately contributed to her sister’s death.
“Since I was a child, I’ve always heard reports that there were no beds available at Korle Bu. Now, I have lost my beloved sister because of that,” Mzbel was reported as saying while mourning the loss.
The emotional account has triggered fresh public discussion over Ghana’s so-called “no-bed syndrome,” with social media users expressing condolences and sharing their own experiences of difficulties securing emergency admission at health facilities.
However, the allegation remains Mzbel’s account of events, and reports available at the time of publication indicated that Korle Bu Teaching Hospital had not publicly responded to the specific claims. Independent medical findings establishing the precise cause of death were also not publicly available.
The tragedy has renewed calls for stronger emergency healthcare systems, improved hospital capacity and faster coordination between medical facilities when patients require urgent admission.
A Fourth of July boating trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, has ended in tragedy after a body believed to be that of 18-year-old student-athlete Nolan Xavier Wells was discovered during a major search operation.
Nolan Xavier Wells pictured with a friend before his disappearance during a July 4 trip to Horn Island.
Wells was last seen at approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, while visiting Horn Island with friends. Authorities said a body matching his description was found at about 8:45 a.m. on Monday by a park ranger near the northwest end of the island. Formal identification was still pending DNA testing, while the cause of death remained unclear at the time of reporting.
Photos and videos circulating online have intensified public questions about the circumstances surrounding Wells’ disappearance. One widely shared image shows him with friends before he vanished, while social media commentators have highlighted that he appeared to be the only Black person in the pictured group. However, there is currently no verified evidence establishing that race played a role in his disappearance or death.
Online claims have also emerged alleging that a video captured an argument before Wells disappeared. These claims remain unverified, and authorities have not publicly confirmed that an argument caused or contributed to his disappearance. The Facebook video shared with Ghana Media could not be independently accessed in full during verification, so such allegations should not be presented as established fact.
According to available reports, Wells had become separated from his phone, which was later in his family’s possession. A large-scale search involved the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore, U.S. Coast Guard and United Cajun Navy.
Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, later expressed devastation over the loss of her son, describing him as a “special soul” who uplifted others and asking for time to grieve.
The 18-year-old was a football player associated with Southwest Mississippi Community College and had previously played at Ocean Springs High School. As speculation spreads rapidly online, the central unanswered question remains: what exactly happened to Nolan Xavier Wells between his last confirmed sighting and the discovery of the body?
Authorities have not announced a confirmed cause of death, and no verified public evidence currently establishes foul play. The investigation and formal identification process remain crucial to determining the facts.
